EU ports renew green commitment

The Port of Melilla (Spain) and the Groningen Seaports (The Netherlands) have become recertified to the EcoPorts’ environmental management standard (PERS).

The PERS certification of both these ports show that no matter the nature of port activities, it is still possible to commit to environmental management,” said Valter Selén, ESPO Senior Policy Advisor and EcoPorts Coordinator.

Port potential

This is Melilla’s third PERS certification since it joined the EcoPorts network in 2016, while this is Groningen’s seventh PERS certification since 2005.

Showcasing the potential of ports as energy hubs, Groningen has consistently been ahead of the curve when it comes to proactive environmental management.

As a port located just 90 miles from the shores of Africa, the Port of Melilla is a modern port situated in a strategic area.

Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO Secretary General, said: “The number of ports renewing their certifications keeps growing. It is very gratifying to see school examples of environmental management and engagement as the ports of Groningen and Melilla, two ports with a different but very interesting profile, rigorously renewing their PERS certification.”

“Both of these ports have grown and developed alongside the EcoPorts network, helping to shape the network into what it is today.”

The last five years have seen important increases in its recognition and membership, with 116 ports from 25 countries currently counting themselves as part of the EcoPorts network, and 25 ports holding PERS certification.